A JOKE ended in disaster when a supermarket manager from Evesham crashed his car after an all-night World Cup drinking session.

Adam Huttlestone, aged 20, was driving to help his friend, who had called him to say he had had a car accident and needed help.

He lost control of his own car on the way to the scene, and was breathalysed by police. He then discovered that his friend, Darrell Keen, had not been involved in an accident.

Huttlestone could now lose his £29,000 a year job because of Mr Keen's prank. He admitted drink-driving.

The Aldi supermarket manager, of The Leys, had been drinking all night with Mr Keen before the England versus Nigeria match on Wednesday, June 12, Worcester Magistrates Court heard yesterday.

Rob Macrory, defending, said Huttlestone had a disagreement with Mr Keen hours before kick-off and Mr Keen left the house in a temper.

He then received a call from his friend saying he had crashed his car. On the way to the scene on the B4035, his car left the road. The police found him and breathalysed him.

He was found to have 81mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The drink-drive limit is 35mcg.

Kiernan Cunningham, prosecuting, pointed out that Huttlestone had a previous conviction for drink-driving.

Huttlestone was given a three-year ban and fined £200, with £55 costs.